We already published the list of best SNES games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best SNES shooter games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the SNES definitely has a great library of shooter games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the SNES and shooter games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#5. Sunset Riders
- Release Data: Konami, 1993
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
Sunset Riders is the ultimate item of cowboy glamorization, where the good guys ride across barren deserts and explore small towns, blowing away hundreds of bandits popping out of saloons.
It is bright, colorful, fantastically well animated, with superb music and sound.
It understands its place as a Western game and within the run-and-gun genre.
#4. Axelay
- Release Data: Konami, 1992
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
The game looks like it’s not even trying.
The superb music, the ahead-of-their-time graphics, the all important heart-stopping final boss encounter—Axelay convinces us that this was all done very nonchalantly.
One of the best shooters for the SNES and one of the top shoot ’em ups of all time.
#3. R-Type III
- Release Data: Irem, 1994
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
R-Type III is the first title in the series exclusively for consoles.
Both the level and boss designs take into account of the SNES’s scaling and rotation capabilities, making them feel naturally challenging without being weird.
Overall, R-Type III is excellent, one of the best shooters on the SNES.
#2. Firepower 2000
- Release Data: Sales Curve Interactive/SunSoft, 1992
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
Compared to most shooters on the market, Firepower 2000 has a different feel but is no less great.
This is one of the better shooters for the SNES, which is surprising as it was released so early.
If you love vertical shooters but you haven’t played Firepower 2000, it’s time to correct that problem.
#1. Star Fox
- Release Data: Argonaut Games/Nintendo, 1993
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Rail
Star Fox was the first release in a new series that Nintendo fans now hold dear and it ranks amongst the very cream of Nintendo’s long list of gaming glory.
Basically, it is a pinnacle game; not just for the 16-bit era of gaming but for the entire gaming world.
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See also: Best Game Boy Games & Best N64 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which SNES shooter game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
